A DNA tetrahedron-based ferroptosis-suppressing nanoparticle: superior delivery of curcumin and alleviation of diabetic osteoporosis

Abstract Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a significant complication that poses continuous threat to the bone health of patients with diabetes; however, currently, there are no effective treatment strategies. In patients with diabetes, the increased levels of ferroptosis affect the osteogenic commitment and differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), leading to significant skeletal changes. To address this issue, we aimed to target ferroptosis and propose a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of DOP. We synthesized ferroptosis-suppressing nanoparticles, which could deliver curcumin, a natural compound, to the bone marrow using tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA). This delivery system demonstrated excellent curcumin bioavailability and stability, as well as synergistic properties with tFNA. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that nanoparticles could enhance mitochondrial function by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway, inhibiting ferroptosis, promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in the diabetic microenvironment, reducing trabecular loss, and increasing bone formation. These findings suggest that curcumin-containing DNA tetrahedron-based ferroptosis-suppressing nanoparticles have a promising potential for the treatment of DOP and other ferroptosis-related diseases.